The Knicks snapped their three-game losing streak, as they defeated the Sacramento Kings 133-104 on the road on Monday night.
Here are some takeaways…
– Both teams were without two of their key contributors in this one, as Jalen Brunson remains sidelined with the ankle sprain which will keep him out at least two weeks and Sacramento’s All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis missed his fifth straight game with a hamstring issue.
– Miles McBride struggled in his first game sliding in for Brunson, shooting an ugly 2-of-13 (2-of-9 from three) in a loss to the Clippers. But the young point guard was able to get off to a terrific start in this one, knocking down his first five shots from the field for a game-high 15 first quarter points.
– New York was much better as a team in the opening frame, shooting 62 percent from the field while playing stellar defense to open a double-digit advantage. The Kings used a 10-0 run midway through the second to cut into the lead, but the Knicks’ strong play continued and they answered right back.
– A tremendous all-around effort on both ends of the floor helped the Knicks carry a 15-point lead into the halftime break. All five of their starters cracked the nine-point mark — with four of them in double-digits — they dished 18 assists, reeled in 21 boards, and forced eight Sacramento turnovers.
– The Kings came flying out of the locker room, but the Knicks once again answered right back. Sacramento was able to get back within 10 points, but three straight threes from Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby quickly ballooned the lead back up to 19.
– New York never looked back from there, holding a comfortable lead throughout the fourth to snap their losing streak. The Knicks put together a terrific all-around effort and beat the sharpshooting Kings at their own game, knocking down 22-of-40 threes on the night, finishing an impressive 55 percent for the game.
– Hart led the way with four threes made, helping him finished with 18 points, while Towns had 26 and nine rebounds. McBride was relatively quiet after his big first quarter — but Anunoby was everywhere for New York — contributing 24 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals.
– Anton Watson made his NBA debut and MarJon Beauchamp logged his first minutes as a Knick as Tom Thibodeau emptied his bench late. P.J. Tucker didn’t see the floor in his first game with the team, but he was one of the biggest hype-men on the bench.
Game MVP(s): The offense
Even without Brunson, New York put together one of their best shooting performances of the season.
What’s next
The Knicks continue their road trip when they take on the Trail Blazers on Wednesday at 10:00 p.m.
